13.12.09

Yesterday, after the frenzied festive wreath making day
I came home to collapse and admire my handiwork.

Except youngest had other ideas.
Youngest wanted to put up the rest of the festive decorations.
And he wanted to do it.............NOW.

So..........
Himself went upstairs.
Himself brought down the boxes.
Eldest told youngest what to do.

Except youngest had other ideas.
He wanted to do the same as eldest.

So......
We got out the tree,
we unpacked the decorations,
we unraveled the lights.

Except the lights had other ideas.
The lights wouldn't work.

So.........
Himself checked each bulb.
Himself tightened each connector.
Himself finally managed to get them to work.

Youngest was hopping up and down.
He was desperate to put the lights up.
He was keen to get the decorations on the tree.

Except Eldest had no idea which ones to use.
Eldest was still deciding what the colour theme was to be.
Eldest DID NOT WANT youngest to help.

So.....................

I waded in.
I mediated.
I delegated.
I took over.

Except the boys objected.
The boys objected LOUDLY
as they wanted to do it.

So...........
I took a back seat.
I reached for my mug of tea
and I watched as the decorations started to go on the tree.

Except youngest had other ideas.
He had had enough and went off to play.

Sigh.


Eldest and I,
then finally just me,
finished off the decorations and 5 hours later,
I collapsed and admired my handiwork.

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Traditional wooden ornaments, bought years ago at a market in Devon.

Rocking horse - a gift one Christmas many many years ago

A bowl filled with pebbles -

from Penmon in Anglesey,

from beaches in Devon,

from walks in the Yorkshire Dales,

covered with sayings and quotes.

Stocking fillers from last year to the boys from Granny and Bumpa.

A sneaky peak of part of my wreath - A complete change of style for me this year.

Part of the garland above the wood burning stove.

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Our house is now gently scented by cinnamon and dried oranges.

Delicious.